STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY
STANDARD COURSE OF STUDYORGANIZATION OF CURRICULUM
The first separate Computer Skills Standard Course of Study was approved by the State Board of Education in 1992. This 2004 revision represents a refinement of the competencies to reflect current technologies and to incorporate future technological developments. The three Competency Goals are unchanged from those adopted for the 1992 Standard Course of Study. Competency Goals 1 and 2 generally apply in grades K-12. Competency Goal 3 is at the application of skills level and does not apply in grades K-2.
| Competency Goal 1: The learner will understand important issues of a technology-based society and will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computer and other technologies. |
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| This goal addresses the role of technology in society now and in the future. Students must understand the impact of computer technology on information management, job skills needed in the work place, communications, transportation, education, healthcare, and personal information needs. Students must understand issues of personal safety, responsible, and ethical use of technology resources and information. Students must be able to adapt and transfer knowledge and skills. Students must be able to evaluate resources and information for content and usefulness. Students must be able to select and use most appropriate technology tools and resources to meet their needs. |
| Competency Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of computer and other technologies. |
| This goal is concerned with fundamental computer operations and application software use that make students independent, productive, users of computer technology. Students must master certain computer operations, application software skills, know computer terms and functions, demonstrate basic keyboarding skills, and be able to use software correctly. The application software skills identified include word processing, database management, spreadsheet, multimedia production, and Telecommunications/Internet. Knowledge and skills that can be adapted and transferred as technology changes and evolves overtime. |
| Competency Goal 3: The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information. |
| This goal focuses on the application of computer/technology skills. Students will access information using search strategies and analyze information using database, spreadsheet, and graphing software. They will then communicate and share findings in a variety of ways (e.g., desktop publishing, multimedia, video-conferencing, telecommunications) with audiences near and far. |
The objectives under each of the three goals in the revised K-12 Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study describes the progressive development of knowledge and skills in six strands: Societal/Ethical Issues, Database, Spreadsheet, Keyboard Utilization/Word Processing/Desktop Publishing, Multimedia/Presentation, and Telecommunications/Internet. The number at the end each individual objective denotes the Strand. Each Strand follows the same pattern from grade to grade (see chart). In the primary grades, the objectives focus on the essential skills; in the upper elementary and middle grades, the objectives build upon those skills. During the eighth grade, students should be prepared to successfully pass the computer proficiency assessment required for graduation.
It is important to note, however, that they may not have acquired all of the keyboarding proficiency required as a prerequisite for workforce development courses. At grades 9-12, the Standard Course of Study focuses on the refinement and application of the acquired computer/technology skills in preparation for work, continued learning, and personal use. The objectives at these grade levels are organized by subject area, allowing students to employ, expand, and internalize the proficiencies that they have already developed.
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